Is it really winter…I know officially we are moving into spring but what glorious weather we are having.  I am really enjoying my time at Caboolture, Kilcoy and Woodford.

As well as being so welcomed by everyone, I have been so impressed at how we are excited by those things we have achieved – including the opening of the Satellite Hospital and the new Clinical Services Building.

The CHRP team have been working with the builder to determine definitive occupancy and opening dates. The small delay is somewhat disappointing, but I thank the CHRP team very much for continuing to ensure that as many deadlines that can be met, are, and we look forward to the move!

Target occupancy is now set to commence on Tuesday 26 September 2023. On this date, we expect to commence occupancy activities in the Clinical Services Building (CSB), including protective services, cleaning and waste management services.

We also anticipate that the multi-storey car park will open on Monday 16 October 2023, with tariffing commencing two weeks later on the 30 October 2023.

There is still work being done to determine when clinical services will commence in the CSB. As soon as this has been confirmed, we will provide you all with the updated opening sequence.

Some education and induction programs were planned to commence next week. Whilst these will be delayed until target occupancy, the project is able to offer induction tours of the CSB next week. The CHRP Education team is working with the directorate to roster people on to these tours to maximise attendance and exposure to the CSB.

While it may feel like we have more time up our sleeves now, it is important we don’t slow down. There is still a lot of work for us to do to prepare for the safe opening of our new facilities.

Thank you all for continuing to adapt to these changes and working towards an exciting next chapter for Caboolture Hospital.

Director Allied Health

Donna Ward has announced that she has made a decision to pursue opportunities outside CKW and consider transitioning to retirement in the not so distant future. This has been a big decision for Donna and one that I know that she has not made without significant consideration.

Donna has been working in CKW for the past nine years but has had a very long (35 years) stellar career in health with a significant proportion of that in what is now known as Metro North.

Donna has been instrumental in the leadership evolution of the Allied Health Department and is to be congratulated not only on her leadership but also growing the capability and capacity of the Allied Health Department to meet demand.

This has been no easy task and she has done this through challenging conversations, a sound understanding of the health business and a passion that is second to none. Donna can only be described as a caring and compassionate individual who espouses Values in Action. As the Acting Executive Director and having been here for only a short time, I have been very impressed by Donna’s integrity and her willingness to work towards solutions.

Donna, on behalf of CKW, I wish you well in your future endeavours and we do hope that we hear more of your professional journey but, more importantly and excitedly, about your plans for your future retirement.

CKW Enterprise Scheduling Management (ESM) update

As announced earlier this week, the timeframe leading into go-live for Enterprise Scheduling Management (ESM) at Caboolture, Kilcoy and Woodford (CKW) has been extended by three weeks, with the go-live date now scheduled for Monday 23 October.

This additional three weeks will allow the Metro North ieMR Program time to facilitate additional site pre-works, enable any outstanding staff training to be completed, as well as provide an opportunity for staff to keep learned knowledge fresh by completing practice activities prior to go-live.

The additional lead time prior to go-live will not change our timeline for training. If you are aware you will be transitioning to use ESM, and your line manager has not yet booked you in for classroom training, please speak to them as soon as practicable. Online prerequisite training must be completed prior to attending a classroom training session.

Clinicians who will need to view patient appointments in ESM, once the system goes live, must complete ieMR View Only training prior to go-live.

For more information about ESM at CKW visit QHEPS. If you have any questions, please contact the Metro North ieMR Program team via email at: ieMRProject-MetroNorth@health.qld.gov.au

Medical Leadership Intensive Program

Metro North Health recently launched a new Medical Leadership Intensive Program to enhance the leadership skills of senior medical staff across the organisation.

The program provides comprehensive knowledge to help medical leaders navigate the challenges of the complex and changing environment within the healthcare environment and influence positive change.  We have wonderful clinicians at Caboolture, and this is an opportunity to develop leadership skills and ensure that we are armed with the appropriate skills to lead a professional health workforce in the future.

The program is initially available to Clinical Directors and Medical Directors within Metro North. It is delivered in three individual sessions over a 12-week period (one full day and two half days).  I would strongly encourage participation.

To find out more, please email MedicalLeadershipIP_MN@health.qld.gov.au.

Save the date!

The third annual CKW Research Symposium will be held in the Caboolture Hospital Education and Skills Centre – and online via Microsoft Teams – on Tuesday 17 October.

The Symposium will include research and quality improvement presentations and posters from the current and previous year, culminating in a keynote by A/Professor Dylan Flaws.

Keep an eye out for the call for presentations in the upcoming
weeks! More details are available on the RDU website.

Last days to nominate for Metro North’s Research Excellence Awards

Speaking of research, this weekend is everyone’s last chance to put in nominations for Metro North’s Research Excellence Awards.

These awards recognise and celebrate the many ways Metro North staff from all professions lead and contribute to clinical research.

Eight different award categories are available, from those celebrating cutting-edge and world-first projects to recognising those who enable research excellence and researchers collaborating with our consumers.

Don’t miss this opportunity to make sure that our teams are recognised for their research excellence. Nominate now.

What a compliment!

This week, it’s congratulations to Caboolture Hospital Geriatrician Dr Iain Borthwick and his compassionate approach to patient care:

“Dr Borthwick was very caring and relaxed, putting us at ease. I was impressed that he noticed and verbalised to us that he could see that we would both be happier if we could be close together.”

Well done Dr Borthwick, it is always so heartening to hear wonderful compliments.

I know that so many of our teams go above and beyond to ensure great care to our patients and families and I know that many of them are so appreciative. I see many compliments come across my desk and I am always so happy to know that our patients and their families are having positive experiences when they are at their most vulnerable. Well done to all.

Finally,

Last Friday night, Channel 10 News ran a great story on Caboolture Hospital’s Eat Walk Engage Intergenerational Pen Pal Program.

You can watch it on Facebook. Look out for some familiar faces!

So, as we end another week, stay safe and thank you!

Alanna.